NFL Week 17 tips, predictions & free picks for Sunday's games

Free NFL picks, tips and predictions for Sunday's Week 17 games.

Week 17 picks

Oakland +3.5
1pt 20-21 RedZone
New Orleans -13
1pt 20-21 Red Zone
Over 47.5 points in Atlanta at Tampa Bay
1pt 10-11 Hills, Betfred, Betway
Tyler Eifert to score a touchdown for Cincinnati v Cleveland
1pt 11-4 Betfred, Sky Bet

Best bet
Oakland Raiders +3.5 at Denver Broncos

Oakland are still in contention for an AFC playoff spot despite losing four of their last five games, and they can at least give themselves a chance of qualifying when they visit Denver.

Jon Gruden’s team showed signs of returning to form with victory against the Chargers last week as quarterback Derek Carr had 291 passing yards and only four incompletions from 30 attempts.

That ended a rough period for the Raiders, and with their season still alive they are expected to be fully motivated for their visit to Mile High even with running back Josh Jacobs looking likely to miss the game.

The Broncos have looked a much better side since rookie Drew Lock took over at quarterback, winning three of their last four games and beginning to function better on offence.

But they have the 29th-ranked passing offence so there is still work to do and running backs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman could be pacified as the Raiders have consistently shown strength against the run.

Oakland look value on the handicap to at least end their season on a high before the franchise moves to Las Vegas for next season.

For more American sports analysis and free NFL picks, visit www.pickswise.com

Next best bet
New Orleans Saints -13 at Carolina Panthers

Carolina were nothing short of woeful against Indianapolis last week, and the Panthers face a rough end to a dismal season when they host New Orleans.

The Saints are still in contention for a first-round bye in the playoffs so there is no chance they will be taking it easy and they have been scoring for fun in recent weeks, putting at least 26 points on the board in eight of their last nine games.

Quarterback Drew Brees has been flying with 12 touchdown passes in his last three games, while running back Alvin Kamara burst back to life last week with two rushing touchdowns.

That has been the Achilles heel of the Panthers this season - they have conceded the most rushing touchdowns in the league with 29.

Carolina have lost their last seven games and allowed at least 29 points in their last six, so this one has the potential to get ugly.

Best points bet
Over 47.5 points in Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay ran out 35-22 winners when these teams met last month, and another high-scoring game is expected.

The Buccaneers have been involved in plenty of entertaining contests this season, scoring and allowing the second-most points in the NFC. Quarterback Jameis Winston has the most passing yards and most interceptions in the league and there is a real ecstasy and agony approach to the Tampa Bay offence.

Atlanta have shown some improved form late the season, winning their last three with their offence rejuvenated and the club have confirmed that head coach Dan Quinn will be in charge again next season. They have put up 93 points in those victories and boast the third-best passing offence in the league.

Best player bet
Tyler Eifert to score a touchdown for Cincinnati v Cleveland

Cleveland have conceded nine touchdowns to tight ends this season - the second-most in the league - and they could struggle to contain Cincinnati’s Tyler Eifert.

Eifert has had a quiet year but he found the end zone in the Bengals' epic game against Miami last week and has seen an increase in receptions in recent weeks, including four against the Browns when the teams met three weeks ago.

Cleveland have allowed three scores to tight ends in their last two games and could be vulnerable again.

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